Montgomery gains trees, loses tree expert

Ewa Zak lauded as township readies weekend Arbor Day observance

By: Greg Forester
   MONTGOMERY — Ewa Zak, who has chaired the township’s Shade Tree Committee for 20 years, has stepped down as the township gets ready to celebrate its 21st Arbor Day this weekend.
   Ms. Zak has led efforts to foster a green and environmentally aware Montgomery, directing the growth of the Shade Tree Committee and developing some of its most important programs.
   "Her knowledge and experience will continue to be relied upon extensively," said Larry Koplik, the new chairman of the Shade Tree Committee. "She’s just incredibly knowledgeable about the trees in the Montgomery area."
   Ms. Zak, a native of Poland who immigrated some 40 years ago, has been interested in trees and the environment since childhood.
   "I’ve been gardening since I was very young, and have always been a gardener, and this has deeply influenced me," said Ms. Zak. "It’s also helped with Montgomery’s arboretum."
   During Ms. Zak’s tenure, the committee began the long-term project of placing trees in Montgomery’s many residential developments and replacing dead trees in the areas where the trees were already planted.
   "Being the chair of the committee has been a full-time job for her for the last 20 years," said Mr. Kaganowicz.
   The program, started in 1988, has been driven by Ms. Zak’s knowledge and energy, according to Shade Tree members.
   "She basically knows every tree in town," said Mr. Koplik.
   This same enthusiasm is responsible for the creation of Montgomery’s arboretum, located near Montgomery Park. Ms. Zak began applying for arboretum grants when they became available through the state a decade ago. Under her leadership, trees were added to the arboretum every year.
    The Arbor Day celebration was created during Ms. Zak’s tenure, including the custom of giving a free tree to everyone taking part in the event.Montgomery had the prestige of winning the Golden Leaf Award from the International Society of Arboriculture, for the Best Arbor Day program in New Jersey. For this year’s events, the committee has gathered 550 scarlet oak trees, all to be given away to people taking part in various events. Each year a different type of tree is provided to the community.
   Some of the trees will be given away today at Village Elementary School, where students will have workshops with Shade Tree Committee members, teachers and volunteers from 9 to 10 a.m.
   A weeping redbud tree will be planted at 11 a.m. today at Montgomery Park as well. Trees will also be provided for the parents of any babies born in Montgomery in 2006. Parents can pick up their trees at the committee’s table at Montgomery’s Earth Day celebration at the Montgomery High School on Sunday between noon and 4 p.m.
   For more information on Montgomery’s Arbor Day celebration can contact Mr. Koplik at (908) 359-4837.